The Piazza del Duomo is the central square in Milan. The spacious piazza is flanked by the Cathedral of Milan (Duomo) and surrounded by centuries-old buildings. This busy square is a hive of activity any day of the week. Start your trip to Milan here, as some of the most significant buildings in the city are close by and the city’s main streets fan out from the piazza. Go shopping at one of the oldest shopping centres in the world, admire the architecture or drink espresso in cafés surrounding the square.
Come in the morning and you’ll see locals crisscrossing the square on their way to work, or stopping for a pastry and a strong Italian coffee. Eat and drink outside at one of the cafés, restaurants and bars that line the square. Try local dishes such as panettone, a rich Christmas cake.
By the time the piazza was built, the Duomo had been under construction for nearly 500 years. Some of the best views of the Duomo are from restaurants on top of the department store next door. The Duomo holds the centre of attention in the square, but there is plenty of other architecture to take in.
Look for the statue of King Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of Italy. The monument sits in the centre of the piazza. The shopping centre here, a four-storey glass arcade, was also named after the king. Shop for luxury Italian brands at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It’s believed to be one of the oldest shopping malls in the world.
Back in the square, the Royal Palace of Milan and the Palazzo dei Portici Settentrionale are two old and eye-catching buildings worthy of a photograph. Go inside the Royal Palace of Milan to see art and restored rooms of the former palace.
The Piazza del Duomo is located in the centre of the city. Avoid driving if possible, as it can be difficult to find a park in the busy nearby streets. Catch the easy and affordable metro, or walk from many downtown hotels and attractions.
